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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore was removed from the ice on a stretcher during Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals and the injury does not appear as serious as initially feared.
The team did not provide specifics, only saying he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
"The good news is he's being released from the hospital," Devils coach John Hynes said. "That's a positive direction for him."
Moore was checked into the boards behind the Devils net by Washington forward Tom Wilson early in the first period. Moore crumpled to the ice, medical staff rushed to his aid and teammates gathered around him.
He was strapped to a board and several Devils steadied the stretcher as Moore was lowered onto it 3:10 into the game.
No penalty was called on the play.
"I wouldn't necessarily say it was a dirty play," Hynes said. "It looked like a hit from behind, his back was turned on the glass, and he was hit pretty hard into the glass. It looked like it was a penalty."
Wilson said he was not trying to injure a vulnerable opponent.
"It's probably one of the worst things in hockey to see a guy down like that," Wilson said. "I'm going in to forecheck. His back is to me. I tried to let up a little bit. I wasn't trying to finish my check. I kind of rubbed him out. I wasn't aware that he had gone down until I looked back.
"I don't know if he couldn't get his hands up to protect himself. Obviously it was not my intent. I'm wishing him the best."
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